Ahmedabad:

A London-bound Air India plane with 242 passengers onboard has crashed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, ANI reported, attributing it to the State Police Control Room. The plane crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, police said.

Air India, in its initial statement on the Ahmedabad plane crash, said: "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest."

The plane caught fire after crashing and fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze, said fire officer Jayesh Khadia. "A plane crashed in the Meghaninagar area near the airport. It is not yet clear what type of plane it was," said Ahmedabad police commissioner, GS Malik.

The DGCA also issues an initial statement on this major air tragedy. "On 12th Jun, 2025, M/s Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 person on board the aircraft consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is a LTC with 8200 Hrs of experience. The copilot had 1100Hrs of flying experience," the DGCA said in a brief statement.

Firefighters and emergency teams have been dispatched immediately to begin rescue and containment efforts. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as operations are still underway.

Eyewitnesses reported heavy smoke rising from the crash site, which could be seen from several kilometres away, including parts of Vastrapur. The sudden incident caused alarm among residents.

"As per ATC, aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft Immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the DGCA added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash. He also assured to provide Central government assistance.

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